Reeds Solicitors > Gloucester, England > Firm Profile

Reeds Solicitors
17 Brunswick Square
Gloucestershire
GL1 1UG
England

Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 1

At Reeds Solicitors, the national offering is split between the complex crime and private crime teams, which are headed up by Oxford-based practitioners Julian Richards and Stuart Matthews, respectively; the former group focuses on large-scale fraud, drug conspiracies and HMRC work, while the latter spans a broad range of general criminal mandates. In Bristol, ‘keen legal mindStephen Clifford heads up the Crown Court practice, while Nicola Hutchinson oversees the private client and criminal department. Solicitor-advocate Andy Lee is noted for his ‘wealth of experience in serious and complex matters‘.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Hutchinson; Stephen Clifford; Julian Richards; Stuart Matthews

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A wealth of experience across the board, seem to have somebody for all scenarios. Expert knowledge at all levels and a well-run machine.’

‘Julian Richards – he has a monster client base both nationally and internationally, never seen him flustered even in the face of difficult scenarios.

‘Stuart Matthews – manages to manoeuvre even the most difficult of clients to where they need to be with precise skill, an expert in getting cases dropped pre-charge.’

‘Highly knowledgeable, professional and reliable service. Reeds are well organised, personable and a stand-out firm.’

‘Team offers real strength in depth across the board. They rightly pride themselves on their client care skills.’

‘Stephen Clifford – remains at the top of his game. A real go-to solicitor for serious cases.’

‘A brilliant, hard-working, caring team of practitioners who are superb with clients and counsel alike.’

‘Stephen Clifford is intuitive, bright and dedicated with a keen legal mind and an approach which instills complete confidence. Andy Lee is an exceptional solicitor with a wealth of experience in serious and complex matters. I would want both Stephen and Andy on my side.’

Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 1

Reeds Solicitors‘ private crime department is headed up by Stuart Matthews, and deals with a large range of complex privately and publicly funded crime matters, including complex fraud and money laundering, sexual offence, conspiracy and murder charges. The ‘highly experienced’ Matthews is well regarded for his track record in successfully handling serious criminal charges for his clients. The firm’s complex crime team is led by Julian Richards, who is ‘one of the stars of his generation’ and is recommended for his advice on large-scale drugs, money laundering and white-collar crime matters. Scott Primmer has specialist expertise in handling sexual offenses, often defending clients at magistrates and crown courts.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Matthews

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Reeds stand out in the marketplace for their efficiency, competency and thoroughness. Every case is prepared immaculately and to an impressively high standard. They truly are leaders in the field.’

‘Without question, Julian Richards is one of the best in the business.’

‘Across the board, this is an excellent firm. There is no weak link. Great communication, cases thoroughly prepared and every avenue is pursued.’

‘Julian Richards is one of the stars of his generation. He knows every case back to front and inside out. He goes above and beyond in every case.’

‘This practice has a very competent workforce. I have worked extensively with many of the staff and associates connected to the crown court team. they are all passionate and dedicated.’

‘I would highly recommend the criminal team to anyone in need of legal assistance. Their expertise, professionalism, and personalised approach make them stand out from the competition, and I have valued their qualities of clear communication, dedication, and attention to detail in my interactions with them.’

‘Stuart Mathews has a razor-sharp intellect and superb client care skills. He is a ferociously hard worker and takes time to unpick a case. Julian Richards brings his huge experience of criminal law to each case and thereby creates a very calm, forensic approach to his work. Clients love him.’

‘Stuart Matthews is a thoughtful, highly experienced and realistic lawyer.’

Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general crime and fraud Tier 2

Reeds Solicitors handles a broad spectrum of serious crime and fraud work, including multi-handed homicide cases, international and complex drug conspiracies, and firearm and violence matters, as well as high-value frauds and historic sex cases. The practice is led by Beth Mantel, who is ‘without doubt one of the best criminal solicitors in the North West – her legal acumen and eye for detail are top drawer.’ With the arrival of experienced Damian Wall, previous partner at Burton Copeland, and Lisa Paton, previously at Tuckers, the team has been considerably bolstered.

Practice head(s):

Beth Mantel

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Beth Mantel in Manchester is outstanding. Her client care, efficiency, and knowledge of serious crime puts her a head and shoulders above her competitors.’

‘Damian Wall is so very experienced in criminal work, he is always someone I recommend to others. Thorough preparation, strong analysis of strengths and weaknesses in a case, sound and realistic advice in the client’s interest. His collaborative approach to preparing a case for trial is rare and extremely valuable.’

‘Beth Mantel is without doubt one of the best criminal solicitors in the North West. Beth’s legal acumen and eye for detail are top drawer. Her client care is second-to-none; she always goes the extra mile for her lay clients and is extremely professional and dynamic when reacting to counsel’s advice.’

‘Damian Wall is highly experienced; good eye for issues in a case and capable of putting clients at ease in conference. There is not much that he has not seen or been involved in over the years which is why, together with the standard of his work, I would not hesitate to recommend him.’

‘Lisa Paton is a joy to work with; she knows her cases inside out, and is instrumental in reassuring the client. Clients trust her completely, and rightly so. Lisa works very efficiently in a high-pressure environment.’

‘The total package. Trusted with some of the most serious criminal defence on offer and they regularly deliver. Client care is second-to-none and, most importantly, they are readily available when required.’

‘The team are highly experienced, dedicated, and knowledgeable. Work is completed efficiently and no stone is left unturned in their representation of their clients or their assistance of counsel. Their client care is exemplary.’

‘Beth Mantel is approachable, professional, and very popular with clients. Once a client has been represented by Beth, they will return to her each and every time they require representation. Beth has an outstanding bedside manner and her dedication to achieving the best possible result for her clients is second-to-none.’

Work highlights

Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general Tier 4

The crime practice at Reeds Solicitors is dually led by London-based Neil Williams and Oxford-based Julian Richards, and is particularly notable for its growing expertise on cryptocurrency matters within the financial crime sphere. Stuart Matthews is noted for leading on private crime work, while Sundeep Soor is recommended for his work in white collar crime and fraud cases.

Practice head(s):

Neil Williams; Julian Richards

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Reeds Solicitors LLP is a professional, well regarded, multidiscipline law firm hosting a number of excellent criminal defence lawyers.’

‘Of note within Reeds Solicitors is senior consultant solicitor, Sundeep Soor.  I can affirm that he is a highly experienced and knowledgeable criminal defence lawyer with exceptional case management and client care skills – he’s truly first class and my first recommendation if I am unavailable to deal with such matters.’

‘An excellent all round criminal firm.’

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 6

Reeds Solicitors’ complex crime team largely focuses on serious fraud work, drug conspiracies and HMRC investigations, with significant experience of defending individuals in SFO and NCA proceedings. Neil Williams heads the London-based offering, specialising in multi-jurisdictional bribery and corruption cases, while Sundeep Soor is an expert on complex white-collar crime matters.

Practice head(s):

Neil Williams; Julian Richards

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team have great strength in depth.’

‘Sundeep Soor is a superstar. Always on the ball and juggling different issues.’

‘Reeds Solicitors LLP is a professional, well regarded, multi-discipline law firm hosting a number of excellent white-collar lawyers.’

‘Of note within Reeds Solicitors is Sundeep Soor. Having co-defended with Mr. Soor on a number of occasions over many years, I can affirm that he is a highly experienced and knowledgeable white-collar and POCA defence lawyer with exceptional case management and client care skills – he’s truly first class and my first recommendation if I am unavailable to deal with such matters.’

‘Excellent at fraud and financial crime-based work.’

Work highlights

Private client > Court of protection

The team at Reeds Solicitors is led from Cardiff by Sarah Griffiths-Jones. The practice has continued to grow since its 2019 launch, expanding into Bristol in spring 2022, with recent work of note including some significant High Court cases.

Reeds Solicitors provide an “outstanding” bespoke service to their clients at every step of the process.  Working with some of the most experienced solicitors and barristers in the profession the firm ‘applies pre-charge strategic thinking to resolve each case at the earliest opportunity’.

The firm has an excellent reputation in defending high-profile allegations of serious sexual offences, murder, and financial crime; as well as motoring and regulatory offences.

Leading individual Stuart Matthews has a wealth of experience defending the most serious cases in the Crown Court across the country. He regularly deals with cases of the utmost gravity, including murder, rape, drug conspiracies and firearms offences. As such he is often the solicitor of choice for those involved in serious criminal matters.

Leading individual Julian Richards is recognised nationally as a specialist in serious and complex crime.  The bulk of Julian’s practice involves white-collar crime and the defence of directors and business professionals facing prosecution by HMRC, the SFO and the FCA.

Jon Wilkins, based in the Cardiff and London offices,  is a solicitor advocate with a national presence, defending clients across England and Wales.  Representing company directors and high-net-worth individuals is Jon’s speciality – he offers a bespoke service to individuals, company directors and businesses.

Alistair Grainger is “a talented advocate who cross-examines with tact and skill”, demonstrated by his award as ‘Employed Barrister of the Year, 2018’ from the Bar Council. As the leader of our in-house chambers in Oxford Alistair provides advice of the highest level to clients across the country, and can be instructed directly.

Department Name Email Telephone
Financial Crime Julian Richards julian@reeds.co.uk 0203 781 8400
General Crime/Sexual Offences Stuart Matthews stuart@reeds.co.uk 01865 260230
General Crime/Motoring Jon Wilkins j.wilkins@reeds.co.uk 029 21 679733
General Crime/Advocacy Alistair J G Grainger info@reeds.co.uk 01865 260 230
Jan Matthews : Managing Partner
Judy Matthews : Practice Manager
English (fluent)
Spanish
Italian
Czech
Romanian
Arabic
Law Society
Law Society Children Panel
Law Society of England and Wales
English Bar Council (individual membership)

CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: I was treated with respect and dignity throughout the whole time almost three years. I was listened to, and I was treated like a human being. Because of my experience, I was able to cope with the daunting

process of a Court Trial. Reeds Solicitors are one of the best if not the best legal representatives in the region if not

in the Country. And because of Reeds’ help, advice and support I am here continuing to practice as a

healthcare professional. Thank you so very much one and all.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: I consider myself extremely lucky to have had Reeds Solicitors in my corner throughout what was the toughest ordeal of my life; I’ll never be able to repay you for your help. Thank you so much.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: Dear Reeds, I wanted to say on behalf of my family how thankful we are to you for your efforts, professionalism and how supported we felt. You were clear with your advice and honest with the situation and as difficult as it has been, we will be eternally grateful.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: Reeds Solicitors are so great at their service that I won my case with no worries; Reeds are the best, and I would always recommend them! I am very satisfied and appreciative of the service I received. Reeds really helped me during my case, they always worked round the clock to ensure that I got the most positive results. I can’t thank them enough.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: Reeds Solicitors did a fantastic job and always advised me the best way possible – I couldn’t have asked for a better team if I tried. Thank you again so much for everything Reeds, it’s been a pleasure working with you and I know myself, my assisting officer and my welfare officer will all recommend you to anyone else needing assistance within the Royal Air Force.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: Once again thank you, Reeds, for all that you have done for me and my family over the last 15 months, I will never forget it.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: I am incredibly relieved and happy following yesterday’s outcome! Thank you so much for everything you and all the Reeds colleagues have done! I am so grateful.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: I have been to court every day so far and can’t help but see the outstanding job the Reeds team is doing.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: It is clear that the staff at Reeds genuinely care about their clients and that this is not just ‘a job’. Thank you again and I hope, should I need it, that I encounter your support again in the future.


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: The service, care and outcome I received from Reeds was everything I could have hoped for. I would not hesitate to recommend Reeds Solicitors – they were simply amazing!


CLIENT: anon

COMPANY/FIRM:

TESTIMONIAL: Thank you for assisting me in my crown court case. I would definitely highly recommend Reeds Solicitors.